Engineering Manager - Manufacturing

ZF Group•Lapeer, MI

About The Position

Reporting to the Plant Manager, the Engineering Manager – Manufacturing provides leadership and direction to a diverse technical team, including manufacturing engineers, process engineers, pre-setters, and tooling technicians. The role improves operational performance by identifying cost-saving opportunities, enhancing process control, streamlining production, and expanding capacity. It drives continuous improvement and develops solutions to strengthen manufacturing efficiency, quality, and performance throughout the program lifecycle. The position serves on the plant leadership team in a staff-level capacity, oversees budgets and resources, and leads manufacturing engineering activities across machining, CNC, assembly, robotics, and controls. It manages projects and technical development, supports customer coordination and program launches, and ensures product integrity, quality, compliance, and safe work practices. The role also develops team members, coordinates across departments, and drives cost reduction and continuous improvement. The role is based in Lapeer, United States. ZF describes a supportive, collaborative team environment and a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree; Business or Engineering preferred.
8–10+ years of advanced engineering experience.
5+ years of solid working experience in operations in a manufacturing environment and relevant functions; automotive parts manufacturing experience desired.
2+ years of proven leadership experience, including handling employee-related issues and building trust.
Coaching and mentoring skills, interpersonal and communication skills, and ability to empower others.
Comprehensive knowledge of technical and specialized manufacturing, operations, and engineering techniques, policies, and procedures.
In-depth knowledge of Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Production, and knowledge of TS 16949 and ISO 14000 system requirements.
Expert-level knowledge of plant operations management and lean principles, processes, and techniques, including Lean Management, Lean Manufacturing, and Continuous Improvement.
Advanced knowledge of business processes and/or technical expertise in product/material markets; in-depth knowledge of business strategy and/or strategic planning; business, finance, and planning management acumen.
Transformation competence and organizational development skills; excellent problem-solving skills; ability to make sound decisions in a timely manner; results-oriented.
Proficient computer skills with Microsoft Office and Outlook.
Excellent time management and prioritizing skills, including the ability to prioritize and schedule daily tasks.
Ability to travel domestically and internationally.

Nice To Haves

Business or Engineering degree preferred.
Automotive parts industry manufacturing experience desired.

Responsibilities

Serve on the plant leadership team, drive daily operating results and agreed objectives, represent ZF, and exercise Level III Signature Authority in accordance with applicable ZF policies and directives.
Manage budgets, resource allocation, expense reporting, and financial results for manpower, equipment, capital, and tooling; control assembly cost per unit against business-plan assumptions while meeting customer and company requirements.
Lead machining, CNC, assembly, robotics, and controls support; troubleshoot machine malfunctions and oversee special production machinery design.
Drive production performance, OEE improvement, daily support, change management, and launch support.
Develop, implement, and maintain manufacturing methods, processes, tooling, procedures, and standard work; guide equipment utilization and manufacturing specifications.
Participate in design reviews, improve design for manufacturability early in development, and contribute to FMEA and PFMEA.
Manage projects, customer coordination, and technical design and development tasks to meet timing, cost, and quality targets; support quotations for new programs and changes and prepare project status reports and reviews.
Ensure part integrity, product quality, compliance with quality processes and procedures, and safe work practices; ensure manufactured or purchased products meet functional requirements at the lowest possible cost.
Lead, develop, and deploy engineers, tooling technicians, and tool pre-setters; coordinate across departments and serve as the manufacturing–engineering liaison.
Maintain open-door communication and a union-free, issue-free environment, and fulfill global Center of Competence responsibility for structured parts.
Drive continuous improvement and cost reduction through new technologies, materials, fixtures, processes, and design improvements.
Maintain records to evaluate product performance against estimates and track OEE, financial results, TEEP, PE, tooling costs, IPPM, and overtime.
Perform other reasonable tasks as required; listed responsibilities are not exhaustive.